Two Named to SVHC Foundation Northshire Regional Advisory Board

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Bennington, Vt.— Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) Foundation Northshire Regional Advisory Board welcomes two new members: Regina Downer and Parker Rice. 
 
"We are delighted to have Regina and Parker join our family of compassionate volunteers," said Northshire Regional Advisory Board Chair Keith Michl, MD. "Each of them has all of the qualities we look for in a member of the Regional Advisory Boards, most importantly, a deep commitment to this community."
 
Regina Downer, RN, MS, PNP-C, holds a master's degree in maternal-child health from Boston University and a certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She works for My Community Nurse Project, a non-profit agency providing home visits, wellness/safety checks, and advocacy at no charge to seniors residing in six mountain towns. She worked in pediatric care and health education in Dutchess County, New York, for 45 years before retiring to Weston. She lives there with her husband and enjoys her three grown children and four grandchildren.
 
"I am happy to serve on the Northshire Regional Advisory Board," said Downer. "I hope that I can offer a healthcare perspective that is unique to the mountain towns of southern Vermont.
 
Parker Rice is a life-long resident of the Northshire and the co-owner of Equipe Sport, an outdoor sport store, which has four locations in southern Vermont. Rice graduated from Hobart and William Smith College. He lives in Manchester Center with his wife Karen and son Pearson. He has served on numerous civic boards, including the Stratton Foundation.
 
"The quality of the health system here is part of what makes our corner of Vermont such a wonderful place to live," Rice said. "I am proud to lend my support though service to the SVHC Foundation's Northshire Regional Advisory Board."
 
The SVHC Foundation Northshire Regional Advisory Board consists of 12 members. Members are nominated by members of the group or by the health system. Other Regional Advisory Boards represent patients from the Berkshires in Massachusetts, the Deerfield Valley area of Vermont, and Hoosick Falls and surrounding towns in New York. The SVHC Foundation's mission is to engage in development and fundraising activities exclusively for the support of the Southwestern Vermont Health Care Corporation.

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Companion Corner: Odie at Second Chance

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, VT — There is a sweet Beagle boy waiting for his new family to play with.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. 

Odie is a four year old Beagle who has been at the shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to him. 

"He came to us with another beagle friend because his previous owner was moving. As you can see he's a very loving, sweet, sweet boy. He loves his toys and he loves to snuggle. He also loves going outside and running and rolling in all the grass, frolicking along the grass." 

Odie loves his stuffies and will even play with other dogs once he isn't shy.

"He does well with other dogs. He can be a little nervous at first meeting other pups, but he does do well with them. We think he'll get along with cats just fine, and kids too, as long as they're respectful."

He would love someone who will cuddle him and give him all of the pets he deserves and throw some stuffed toys around for him.

"The perfect home is honestly just someone who wants to give him snuggles and play with him. He's a pretty easygoing dude. He really just loves affection. Like he'll just come up to you and stand and wait for pets all the time. So, someone who wants a snuggle buddy, who's also you know he's a good age for a snuggle buddy, but also can play with him quite a bit."

He would also love someone who will take him outside to roll around and run as fast as he can or a long walk to enjoy some more sights he has yet to see.

"His favorite things again: toys, snuggles, kisses. Favorite activities are just going outside for walks. He loves to go for long walks with some of our volunteers."

He does not know basic commands like sit but he is very happy to learn.

While he did come to the shelter with some medical needs he is getting them treated and is healthy and ready for his new family.

"He came in and he was positive for Lyme and anaplasmosis, but we are treating him currently for that. Other than that, as far as we're aware, he's a pretty healthy, young boy."

If you need or want a new companion in your home consider meeting Odie.

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